As Queenslanders prepare for a busy Australia Day long weekend, maritime authorities have united to urge boaties to stay vigilant and be ready to adjust plans if the weather conditions turn dangerous.
In an effort to reduce serious marine incidents and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend, Queensland Police Service (QPS), Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Seqwater have joined forces to emphasise the importance of water safety, particularly during high-risk weather season.
Between 2019 to 2024, 64 people lost their lives in boating-related incidents in Queensland.
Seven of the eight people who died in 2024 are presumed to have drowned, and only one of them is known to have been wearing a life jacket.
Those undertaking activities such as fishing, jet skiing, sailing or paddleboarding are reminded to pay close attention to the weather and possible risks before heading out.
QPS Acting Superintendent Mark Bradford said while Queensland’s waterways were expected to be bustling with activity over the long weekend, severe weather could strike suddenly, creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions on both coastal and inland waterways.
“We’re urging all boaties to be prepared to change their plans if severe weather conditions threaten to put a dampener on your day out on the water,” Acting Superintendent Bradford said.
“A change in weather can happen in the blink of an eye, and that can make the difference between a fun day on the water and a life-threatening emergency.
“We’ve seen a growing number of rescues in recent months due to sudden weather changes.
“It is essential to monitor forecasts and, if conditions worsen, make an early call to return to shore so you’re not caught in a dangerous situation.”
MRQ is Queensland’s first state-wide, State Government-funded volunteer marine rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea and supporting those on or near the water.
MRQ Acting Chief Officer Mark Anderson said the Australia Day long weekend can be one of the busiest times for marine rescue volunteers across the state.
“We know Queenslanders love to be out on the water and this long weekend is no different,” Acting Chief Officer Anderson said.
“A few tips before you leave – don’t forget to log your journey and tell family and friends where you are going because it’s important everyone returns home safe at the end of the day.
“We want people to have fun and enjoy themselves this weekend so make sure if you’re heading out onto the water you have sufficient fuel for your journey and are carrying a current EPIRB equipped with GPS,” Acting Chief Officer Anderson said.
Marine rescue services are provided by MRQ, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.
Acting Chief Officer Anderson reminded boaties to call 131 MRQ to be connected to their local marine rescue unit. They can also use radio channel VHF-16 or call Triple Zero (000) if they get into trouble while out on the water.
Seqwater Executive General Manager Operations Fiore Zulli said that storms and inflows can change the conditions on waterways quickly.
“With the recent heavy rainfall, we have full dams across the region, which can create changed conditions, including hidden hazards below the surface,” Mr Zulli said.
“Be extra cautious and follow the signage which is in place for the safety of all.”
Aside from the possible weather implications, everyone is reminded to abide by relevant marine rules while out on the water, such as wearing a life jacket, particularly when crossing coastal bars in open boats, boating alone or at night or with children, not drinking and driving, and letting someone know about your plans.
To enhance safety over the long weekend, both QPS and MSQ will be increasing patrols, focusing on proper use of lifejackets, enforcing speed limits, licence checks, and cracking down on drink and drug driving.
MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon reminded boating enthusiasts that MSQ compliance officers will be out in force across the State this weekend and to make sure they drive within gazetted speed limits, stay aware of other waterway users and wear lifejackets.
“Remember to never leave the shore without proper lifejackets for everyone on board, and when required to do so, wear them at all times” Mr Dillon said.
“And be aware speeding, just like on the road, is dangerous for not only for your vessel, but for other waterways users and reduces your reaction time to avoid incidents.
“Similarly, drugs and alcohol can impair judgement, slow reaction times and can lead to tragedy.
“Don’t push your boat or your skills beyond what’s safe for current conditions.
“A fun day on the water should never come at the cost of your or someone else’s life.”
Water safety tips can be found on both the Maritime Safety Queensland website and Marine Rescue Queensland Marine Rescue Queensland website.
